Washington, D.C. – The United States Postal Service (USPS) is bracing for a potential takeover attempt by the Trump administration, as concerns grow over reported plans to fold the independent agency into the Department of Commerce. According to sources familiar with the situation, the USPS Board of Governors has retained outside legal counsel to prepare for any executive order that could disrupt the agency’s autonomy.
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Emergency Action by the USPS Board
The nine-member USPS Board of Governors—appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate—held an emergency meeting shortly after Howard Lutnick was confirmed as the new Secretary of Commerce. Sources say Lutnick, a longtime business executive, had previously discussed with President Donald Trump the idea of dissolving the USPS leadership and placing the agency under the Commerce Department’s control.
Although White House officials insist there is no active executive order targeting the Postal Service, they have acknowledged internal discussions about making the agency “more efficient” as part of a broader federal government restructuring.
Trump Signals Interest in USPS Overhaul
During Lutnick’s swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office, Trump signaled that the new commerce secretary would be “looking” at the Postal Service.
“He’s going to look at it. He’s got great business instinct, and we think we can turn it around,” Trump told reporters. “We’re losing so much money with the Postal Service, and we don’t want to lose that kind of money.”
However, financial data paints a different picture. For the first quarter of the current fiscal year, USPS posted a $144 million profit—its first since 2006, according to the Pew Research Center.
Constitutional and Legal Barriers
The USPS Board argues that any executive order to dissolve its leadership or move the agency under the Commerce Department would face serious constitutional hurdles. The Postal Service was established under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to “establish Post Offices and post Roads.” The agency’s structure was further cemented by federal law, meaning congressional approval would be required for such a takeover.
House Democrats, in a letter to Trump, warned that dissolving USPS leadership would jeopardize essential services, including the delivery of medications, mail-in ballots, financial documents, and personal correspondence—especially in rural areas that private carriers often avoid.
Union Pushback and Public Concerns
Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union, strongly condemned any takeover attempt, calling it an “attack on the postal service.”
“The takeover would reduce service, especially to rural America, raise rates, close post offices, and profit from what belongs to the American people,” Dimondstein stated. “We ask all customers to join us in fighting for a vibrant, independent, and public USPS.”
The union fears that privatization or a shift in management could erode the agency’s universal service obligation—a requirement that USPS provide daily mail delivery to all U.S. addresses, regardless of location.
Political Context and Trump’s USPS History
During his first term, Trump openly criticized the USPS and sought to remove its universal service mandate. He often framed the agency as financially inefficient, despite its crucial role in rural and underserved areas. The tensions escalated during the 2020 election, when a record number of Americans voted by mail due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump repeatedly attacked mail-in voting, blaming it for his loss to Joe Biden, and his relationship with Postmaster General Louis DeJoy soured.
DeJoy, a Republican who led the USPS for five years, announced his resignation earlier this week. Sources report that his recent meeting with Lutnick and members of Trump’s incoming administration was contentious, reflecting deeper political and operational divides.
A Broader Government Restructuring Effort
The USPS developments come amid a sweeping federal overhaul led by the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, headed by tech billionaire Elon Musk. Within its first month, the department has cut thousands of federal jobs and eliminated dozens of programs, aiming to streamline government operations.
This push aligns with previous Trump administration efforts to consolidate agencies. During his first term, Trump explored merging portions of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of Education into other departments—a strategy often met with legal resistance in the courts.
Legal Roadblocks and Political Fight Ahead
Despite Trump’s public statements, experts say any attempt to restructure USPS without congressional approval is likely to face immediate court challenges. Constitutional protections, long-standing federal statutes, and bipartisan public support for the Postal Service create a formidable legal and political defense.
Still, given Trump’s history of pursuing aggressive policy changes through executive authority—often testing legal limits—the USPS Board’s decision to hire outside counsel reflects a readiness for a protracted legal battle.
Public Opinion and the Road Forward
Polls consistently show that the USPS enjoys broad bipartisan support among Americans, with many viewing it as one of the most trusted federal agencies. Public resistance could play a crucial role in shaping the political cost of any attempted takeover.
For now, the Board of Governors remains on high alert, preparing for possible executive action while rallying political allies and the public to defend the agency’s independence. The coming months will likely determine whether USPS maintains its current structure or becomes part of Trump’s wider government reorganization strategy.Washington, D.C. – The United States Postal Service (USPS) is bracing for a potential takeover attempt by the Trump administration, as concerns grow over reported plans to fold the independent agency into the Department of Commerce. According to sources familiar with the situation, the USPS Board of Governors has retained outside legal counsel to prepare for any executive order that could disrupt the agency’s autonomy.
Potential Impact on Americans
If the Trump administration moves forward with plans to bring USPS under the Commerce Department, millions of Americans could feel the effects. The most significant risks include:
- Slower service in rural and remote areas
- Higher postage rates for individuals and businesses
- Closure of post offices deemed unprofitable
- Reduced delivery frequency, particularly in low-density regions
- Erosion of trust in mail-in voting and electoral processes
These concerns are amplified by the USPS’s role in delivering life-saving prescriptions, government benefit checks, and vital correspondence to communities that lack reliable private delivery services.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why is the Trump administration considering a USPS takeover?
The Trump administration, led by newly appointed Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, is reportedly exploring ways to restructure the USPS to improve efficiency and reduce costs. President Trump has long criticized the agency for financial losses and believes private-sector management could “turn it around.”
Can the Commerce Department legally take control of the USPS?
Not without congressional approval. The USPS was established under the U.S. Constitution and by an act of Congress, meaning any attempt to transfer its control would require legislative authorization.
What role does the USPS Board of Governors play in this situation?
The Board of Governors oversees USPS operations and has already retained outside legal counsel to challenge any executive order that could undermine the agency’s independence.
How would a takeover impact everyday Americans?
A takeover could result in higher postage rates, reduced rural services, closure of unprofitable post offices, and slower delivery times, potentially affecting access to medications, legal documents, and mail-in ballots.
Has USPS recently been profitable?
Yes. According to the Pew Research Center, USPS reported a $144 million profit in the first quarter of the current fiscal year—the first profit since 2006.
What is the universal service obligation?
The universal service obligation requires USPS to provide daily mail service to all U.S. addresses, no matter how remote. Critics fear a takeover could lead to the removal or weakening of this mandate.
Why is there political tension over USPS and mail-in voting?
During the 2020 election, Trump criticized mail-in voting, claiming it contributed to his loss. His strained relationship with USPS leadership, particularly Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, stems partly from those disputes.
Conclusion
The possibility of the U.S. Postal Service being absorbed into the Commerce Department under the Trump administration has ignited a fierce political, legal, and public debate. While the White House frames the idea as a step toward efficiency and cost savings, critics warn it could undermine essential services, especially for rural and underserved communities. Constitutional safeguards, congressional authority, and widespread public support for the USPS create significant hurdles for any takeover attempt.
